Telwater’s Savage launches new range

SINCE buying the iconic Savage boating brand last year new owner Gold Coast based boat manufacturer Telwater, hasn’t rested on pre-existing laurels. A media launch saw new Savage fishing models unveiled alongside revamped pre-existing models - and the company’s first ever all fibreglass sports boat.

On mention of Telwater, comparisons to the company’s other brands, Quintrex and Stacer, are difficult to avoid. Understandably, Savage’s 2009 line-up has an air of familiarity about it and comparisons are hard to avoid. That said, the new Savage range offers boat fishos another brand alternative in the competitive alloy fishing boat market; buyers too now have the freedom to specify their choice of outboard engine brand through participating dealers.

The Savage brand now boasts a 22 model range that includes open dinghies, several revamped runabouts and bluewater cabin fishing boats. Refinements include the introduction of the Maximum Ride Hull – on specified models - and upgraded flotation material used across the range.

Savage’s all new 195 Bowrider is the first of the brand’s forays into the ‘glass sportsboat market. Savage GM Tim Atkins said all fibreglass work for the new model is undertaken outside of Queensland.

The 195 Bowrider comes complete with a number of standard features that should make the Savage competitive amongst popular imported sports boat brands. Savage’s Bowrider comes complete with Bimini top, large boarding/swim platform and sundeck, AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo, wrap around bucket seats and roomy bow and stern lounge sections to aid summer boating. Engine options thus far are petrol or diesel versions of the 3.0 litre 135hp MerCruiser sterndrive with 17” Black Max alloy propellers. The boat is currently only available in a single gelcoat finish of striking two-tone black and white.

Marine Business had a short stint at the helm of the 195 Bowrider on a typically busy Gold Coast Broadwater. With three on board the sports boat exhibited good handling and ride while the cockpit stayed dry while negotiating big boat wake and strong wind chop. The 135hp MerCruiser provided ample power to the hull and appears to offer a good compromise between performance and economy. The success of the Savage Bowrider looks promising judging from pre-launch interest.

“We have orders already through to December,” said Atkins.

With over 30 boats already pre-sold Australia wide, Atkins says Savage is about to produce a second mould to meet demand. While a retail price for the new ‘glass Savage is yet to be confirmed it is expected to be in the $36,000 - $38,000 range, which should see the Bowrider compete closely with imported sports boats.

Savage’s fishing boat range includes old favourites such as the Jabiru – which has undergone a makeover – the Blue Water cuddy cabin series and a new Piranha model.

The Jabiru 435 Pro is another in the pointy nosed punt niche that features most of the standard features estuary and impoundment fishos require. The side console 435 Jabiru Pro was fitted with a max power rated 40hp Mercury four-stroke and featured a pre-existing Jabiru hull design that coped quite well with the messy conditions. The Pro is differentiated from a standard Jabiru via its bow and stern casting platforms. It also has large up front wet storage/live well (plumbing optional) and additional under hatch storage under both casting decks. Most buyers of this model would probably opt for extras such as bow-mount electric mounting plate, live bait tank, extra rod holders and rod storage pocket. Priced at around $18,000 the 435 Jabiru Pro should prove a popular entrant to the pointy-nosed punt ranks.

The new 495 Piranha side console – also available in centre console option – is a roomy, open style five metre dinghy, reminiscent of similarly configured boats from Quintrex (Top Ender), Stacer (Barra Pro) Trailcraft (Pro Fish) and others. A dinghy with good freeboard and space to spare, the Piranha features Savage’s new Maximum Ride Hull for better performance and ride, a rolled deck, plumbed live bait and kill tanks, padded transom for fishing comfort and a max power rating of 90hp.

The versatile looking package handled the Broadwater’s messy chop with aplomb, giving an indication of its versatility for inshore waterways while looking a viable offshore option in reasonable seas.

The Blue Water range consists of 515 and 545 models. These reintroduce Savage’s combination of moulded fibreglass cuddy cabins and alloy rolled deck hulls. Marine Business was impressed with the dry comfortable ride and handling of the 545 Blue Water, which is sure to garner interest from offshore and family fishos in the market for this popular style of boat. While the Blue Water’s cabin bunks are realistically only long enough for kids, the walkthrough section gives good access to the bow hatch and anchor well. With four on board the max power rated 115hp E-TEC saw the 545 with power to spare, the boat exhibiting impressive ride and handling in broken water, despite heaviness from the standard cable steering – hydraulic steering is optional.

Refreshingly, Savage used its 2009 launch as an opportunity to welcome feedback form boating media for potential improvements – a new live bait tank’s lid design and side pocket height (on one model) are areas that should see attention from the manufacturer prior to full scale production.

Stay tuned for video footage of the 2009 Savage boat range.

For more information go to www.savageboats.net.au